Corinthians gamble on surprise returns for must-win away test | OneFootball

Corinthians have finalized preparations for Saturday night’s clash with Atlético-MG in Belo Horizonte, with coach Dorival Júnior adjusting his squad at the last minute to include some notable returns. The fixture, part of the 10th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, will also serve as a precursor to the club’s upcoming Copa Sudamericana match in Argentina, meaning nearly the entire squad will travel together for logistical reasons.

The big news from the team’s training session on Friday is the availability of Rodrigo Garro, who has not featured since the second leg of the Campeonato Paulista final in late March due to patellar tendinopathy in his right knee. Also returning from injury issues are Matheuzinho and Memphis Depay, but all three are expected to start on the bench against Atlético-MG.

During the final session at CT Joaquim Grava, Dorival Júnior oversaw a tactical drill outlining the likely starting XI, before the group worked on set-piece routines at both ends of the pitch. With the squad largely at full strength, Dorival’s probable selection features Hugo Souza in goal; defenders Félix Torres, André Ramalho, Cacá, and Angileri; a midfield assembled from Raniele, Maycon or José Martínez, with Carrillo and Igor Coronado providing creative support; and a forward line led by Romero and Yuri Alberto.

Corinthians enter the weekend in 13th place, having collected 13 points thus far. Victory away to Atlético-MG—who sit just ahead in ninth with the same points but one fewer win—would represent a step towards the top half of the table and potentially move Dorival’s team into Libertadores qualification territory.

The travel plans reflect the club’s congested calendar, as the team will remain in Minas Gerais until Monday before heading directly to Buenos Aires to face Huracán on Tuesday in their Sudamericana group. The availability of a near-complete roster is seen as a positive, though Garro’s reintegration will be monitored closely, given his extended absence from competitive action.

Dorival’s squad list leaves little doubt that Corinthians are keen to maximize flexibility in both domestic and continental competitions. Among the options included are Hugo Souza, Félix Torres, André Ramalho, Cacá, Fabrizio Angileri, Raniele, Maycon, José Martínez, André Carrillo, Igor Coronado, Romero, and leading scorer Yuri Alberto. The squad also features potential impact substitutes like Depay, Matheuzinho, and Garro himself.

A win would not only ease competitive pressure but also provide a lift during a week shadowed by significant off-field issues at the club, with management focused on maintaining squad cohesion and footballing focus ahead of critical fixtures.

Source: Globo